Three year olds represent good chances at Addington

It is another pair of stable three year olds that represent good chances for the stable at Addington tomorrow evening. Henry Hubert is resuming after his debut run on the track back in February, while The Brooklyn Brawler (in picture), a good second first up a fortnight ago will look to go one better after coming up with the ace draw from the mobile.

Henry Hubert has been patiently handled by John in preparation for his season debut tomorrow evening, with three workouts and one trial over the last month. In each of these he has shown some steady improvement, and John was particularly happy with last week's workout win at Rangiora. On that occasion, he was driven quietly early and raced in the rear group throughout. He was able to pop off the rails and into the one-one at the 400m, before running to the lead under a tight rein at the 100m, as he went on to win by half a length in 2.32.8 for the 2000m mobile, the last 800m in 58.2, the last 400m in 27.6.

In tomorrow's race, Henry Hubert will not have it easy by any means, with Bright Diamond, 4th in Ashley Locaz's jewels and two Purdon/Rasmussen debutantes all expected to be tough to beat. However, if he can overcome his second line draw and get any luck at all in the race, he can make his season debut a winning one.

The Brooklyn Brawler is the other stable three year old expected to be very tough to beat. Two weeks back on the track he produced the run of the race in finishing second behind an impressive Pat's Delight. On that occasion, he was obliged to go back after drawing wide and was then sent forward from the 1400m to a breeze position. After getting to the breeze a lap out, he always looked to travel well and when hitting the lead at the 200m, did initially look the winner. However, Pat's Delight, a Sires Stakes heat winner last week had the final shot at him up the passing lane, going on for a one length victory.

The Brooklyn Brawler does look to have come back very well as a three year old and the Group Three winner of last season, should be able to occupy a forward position throughout with leading or trailling appearing likely options for driver John Dunn. Toughest to be may well be another three year old in The Dorchester, while the well performed Whittaker and Franco Texas both rate from their wide draws.

Another interesting stable runner tomorrow evening is the well performed North Island trotter Yagunnakissmeornot, which is down from Robert's Pukekohe base. She has been in career best form throughout the winter and spring, her last ten starts producing four wins and four placings, with her worst effort a 4th placing. The winner of 16 of her 50 starts, for over $171,000 in stakes, remarkably all of her wins have been at the right-handed Alexandra Park. She has only started the seven times on a left handed track for just the three placed efforts. However, this stat is of no concern to Robert.

"It has been a long time (nine months) since she even started left-handed."

"She is a hell of a lot better mare now than she was then and everyting she does at home suggests that she will cop it just fine."

"We are definitely keen to start her in the Dominion, but at the moment, the rankings don't really favour us (21st ranked), so we need to start against these ones they have ranked ahead of us to get a run."

To be driven by Gavin Smith, who has a great strike-rate with stable runners, Yagunnakissmeornot will start from the 30m backmark alongside the resuming Marcoola. She is a great follower of pace so if she can step early and not end up too far back, look for her to unleash that trademark big finish of her's late in the piece. Smith also combines again with Spondulicks a last start winner in slightly fortuitous circumstances. He is again drawn very well, but will need luck in what is a lot stronger line-up.